#YAY ARE THOSE THE SHINE IN THE DISTANCE OUTFITS????

[mirrology]

Just saw that you write for genshin too!! Yay!!

I wanted to request a child reader who doesn't like talking to people but shy way- but bc she feels like there is no point in it also is a genius but doesn't go to the akademia bc of financial reasons so alhaitham adopts her? Also, kaveh and alhaitham act like parents towards her? Like kaveh scolding her for not making friends at the akademia and scolding alhaitham bc he is not a good example? Basically, kaveh being the worried mom and alhaitham being the cool dad

Sorry if this request was too long and specific 😅 I had this brainrot for a long time and wanted to share it with you

ノ Demure .ᐟ ʚɞ

୨୧ reserved, modest, and shy.

alhaitham, kaveh & gender neutral reader. platonic. | wc: 1.1k

tags/warnings: child reader, typical kavetham bickering, reader is considered a genius, reader has no parents, a little bit of angst regarding reader's backstory

notes: WOW THIS IS SO SO LATE!! I'M SO SORRYY, I've been having a really hard time with my mental health.

she/her pronouns were used in the ask, but the reader is gender neutral so everyone can enjoy. sorry if that's not what you wanted!

· · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

— For as long as you can remember, you were alone. In a house that brought back nostalgia, but those memories were buried deep into your mind, and no matter how hard you tried to dig them up, they stayed hidden.

— You took up small jobs around sumeru to get by, to at least look presentable in public. Even though it was considered child labor, you didn't care. Although when it came to speaking to people, it was difficult. People could be stubborn and rude, you didn't grow up knowing social cues or ways to respond. So, the only option you had was not speaking.

— When you didn't respond to the person that was talking to you, they either assumed you were mute or that you were rude and just didn't want to speak to them.

— Once, you were out in the desert in search of materials for your employer. You had crouched down as you spotted something shining underneath the grains of sand. It was a gem, and it looked quite expensive. The next thing you knew… you were surrounded by people in outfits that you hadn't seen before. Each and every one of them had a sort of red blind fold on. They demanded that you hand it over.

— You couldn't get a response out as your body froze up in fear. Just as one of them was going to swing their weapon down, it was intercepted by a sword.

— It was a man in green, before anyone could react the man knocked out the people who were previously surrounding you. Your eyes sparkled in awe, watching as the man swiftly landed on his feet. His head turned to you, causing you to flinch at his cold eyes, but they slightly softened in something you couldn't quite put your finger on.

↳ Your mouth hung open as you stared at the man in green. He beat up the scary looking people, he… he was so cool! Your eyes sparkled and were basically radiating light. His head turned to you, his eyes were narrowed, and that made you jump and quickly close your open mouth. The man started approaching you — you, not exactly trusting him, looked around for an opening to run away. The man knelt down to your height, yet still at a comfortable distance, his eyes trailed over your face, taking in your features and searching for any injuries. A small bead of sweat ran down the side of your face, discomfort written on your face. “Do you have anywhere to go?” The green man asked. You reluctantly shook your head. Your former house — that was barely staying together - didn't really count. He offered you his hand. “Would you like to come with me?”

You stared at the hand that he held out, should you agree? I mean it's not like you have anywhere else to go, and you weren't exactly made for hard labor jobs… you put your hand on his and nodded, he stood up with your hand is his. “My name is Alhaitham.” He said while looking down at you expectantly. “I'm (Name)...” You muttered but you could tell from his nod that he heard it.

— When you went with Alhaitham, you expected to be taken to an orphanage or taken to the authorities, yet that wasn't the case. He had taken you to his house and given you clean clothes, a warm bed to sleep in and… a roommate?

— After you had taken a bath and changed, Alhaitham had sat you on the couch and explained that he wasn't the only one who lived in the house. You really hadn't expected it since he seems like the type of person to like his alone time, but you understood.

— Once Kaveh came home after a long day of dealing with indecisive clients, he was met with you, and Alhaitham engaged in a game of chess and… The former was actually losing. To Kaveh It felt like a fever dream, so his only response was to stand in the doorway. But once he realized that there was someone other than him and Alhaitham in the house, and that someone was a CHILD.

— oh boy, Kaveh is immediately asking 1000 questions per minute. How did you get here? Where are their parents? Do you even know if they have any other relatives? and so on and so forth.

— Once Kaveh and dwindled down from his flurry of questions, Alhaitham explained your situation.

↳ Kaveh put a hand on his chin as he took in the information provided by his roommate. He hummed “So… they're staying with us?” He asked Alhaitham with a raised eyebrow. “Yes, that's right.” The scribe nodded and crossed his arms, Kaveh sighed “Alright…” He trailed off and met eyes with your wide ones. “I'm Kaveh, nice to meet you, (Name)” He gave you a small smile. Your mouth turned into an ‘o’ shape ‘he's pretty’ you thought.

— As the days went by and the three of you got adjusted to living together, Alhaitham noticed something peculiar about you. You were much more perceptive than other children, often pointing out details that even some adults couldn't have seen, and you learn surprisingly quickly for a child your age.

— You also took a strange interest in the akademia. Whenever you, with either of your guardians, would pass by the akademia, your eyes would be immediately glued to the entrance doors. Alhaitham, seeing your subtle hints of interest, decided to talk with Kaveh to see if they should enroll you in the akedemia.

— and surprisingly, it didn't take much convincing to get Kaveh to agree. The both of them had acknowledged your perceptive nature, quick 5 interest in the akademia. They decided to give you a chance, since it seems that you never had a proper education. They sat you down to tell you, and once they did… you lit up, a rare but well received squeal escaped your mouth as you rapidly thanked them as you ran up to hug them. Your wholesome reaction forced a smile out of Alhaitham and a hearty laughter out of Kaveh.

— You loved your time in the akademia, learning about different plants, animals, and complicated equations that you came close to solving. The only slight problem was… that you didn't make an effort to talk to other kids your age. It was just that you went the best at talking to people, and you got really anxious when you did. It didn't help that you froze up when someone approached you.

— Alhaitham in return, assured you that you didn't need to interact with people. You just needed to focus on your studies and yourself, but Kaveh had the opposite opinion. He believed it was essential to have friends or just people to talk to. It would build up social skills and help with public speaking. At Kaveh's rambling, Alhaitham muttered a quiet "Don't listen to him”, yet Kaveh heard his remark and started to scold him for encouraging the anti-social behavior. Although you kept Kaveh’s advice in mind, you weren't planning on public speaking or speaking to people anytime soon.

[organic-guacamole]

showtime

episode 211 let's go

ok first of all, this is the second to last episode guys... I don't even wanna think about how much pain I'll be in after next week's episode

mr mazzara doing the recap-

this is so weird to me and I don't know why

WHY DIDN'T YALL JUST ASK BENJAMIN FOR HELP, THATS LITERALLY HIS THING

is Nini giving out the cards a callback to season 1 when Natalie Bagley said that Nini gave her a card or something on opening night of another musical?

STEPHY AS THE ENCHANTRESS OMG YES

Ricky in the crown gives me Harry styles in that photoshoot vibes

he's so pretty.

ok but why did we never see Ricky and Ashlyn interact before? it's been like 5 seconds and I already love how they bounce off each other and it's just so natural

OH THEY REALLY DON'T HAVE ANY UNDERSTUDIES-

well that explains a lot...

so Ricky fell on top of Ashlyn and all that broke for both of them was their wrist-

insert Jake Peralta *coolcoolcoolcoolcoolcool no doubt no doubt no doubt*

of course howie was amazing as the beast, were we expecting anything less??

Ricky is so beautiful and I will not shut up about it....

let me enjoy this before the makeup crew slaps mud on his face.

Nini and Ricky talking to eachother? in a civil manner? wasn't she avoiding him just in the last episode? hm ok

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH THEY CANT EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS JUST LIKE ME HAHAHAHAHA THIS IS HILARIOUS, WHATS NEXT? THEY CUT EVERYONE OFF CUZ THEY CANT HANDLE EMOTIONS? ...ha

yes Kaden and Rico, my favourite east high boys 🥰

I mean....where's EJ?

THERE HE IS

EJ AND GINA IN THE BACKGROUND... doing something idek

KOURTNEY'S MOM IS BACK YAY

Howie is a shining star, ofc ofc

the smallest fOrk

can't wait to see the fork burst into song about how she deserves more than to be used to eat salad😌

the duster and the bluster.... ok😃

hi Gina!

hi- oh wow I didn't know Robbie Rotten was in this show!!!!!

the portwell look.

that my friends, is a married couple's look✋

GOSH EJ WHAT DID THEY DO TO YOU

aww Gina's so excited for this

D word?

Die?

Delicious?

Dom Toretto?

"good, clean fun all alone with someone I dig...a lot"

sir that does not sound very clean to me

SEBLOS

Seb looks so cute standing there next to pope Carlos

DID THEYEY REALLY LIGHT ANTOINE ON FIRE-

I NEED TO SEE THAT

Seb's reading Carlos better than big red read the script in episode 102, this is great development after the "fight"

Kourtney really just made the best outfit for herself and let the rest of them suffer

the way Gina immediately goes to hold on to EJ after the announcement

"tonight we're going to put the U in UTAH"

...

"hey where are you from?"

"TAH"

SEB'S SINGULAR CLAP KILLED ME-

he's officially salt lake city's resident thanos

just wity clapping because for some reason I have a feeling he doesn't know how to snap his fingers...don't ask why

Ms Jenn do you mind encouraging your leads before the show? idk just an idea

pepto bismol product placement smhsmh

those flowers are bigger that big red himself-

*bops along to the opening theme*

that whistle at the end slaps everytime

WHY IS THE AUDIENCE SO MASSIVE

I guess they're all here to see Ms Jenn go on as a fork after Nini decides to *go her own way*

wow i am so funny

so they couldn't do many group scenes cuz of covid, but this 300 person crowd is cool? nice

OO THE VIOLIN GIRL FROM EPISODE 6 IS IN THE ORCHESTRA

HOWIEEEEEE

"Mr Caswell", he said, in the loudest voice possible while backstage at a show that's about to start.

Mazzara what are you trying to pull-

I usually like Benjamin but I don't like his tone

"iS yOuR wHoLe FaMiLy HeRe?" LIKE YOU DON'T ALREADY KNOW THATS A SOFT SPOT FOR EJ

"we've had some good conversations these past few weeks"

right so what's going to happen after you graduate?

what does he think of you not going to Duke?

what did he say about you giving the sweatshirt that's been in the family for 3 generations to a girl you're not even dating?

good old Mr. M

therapist Mr. Mazzara, they all need it.

start with Ricky though.

"Michael Bowen"

dude why did you shave, now you look less like "hot lumberjack" and more "creep at the gas station"

OH-

does she not like Mike anymore?

why does it sound like jennzzara started dating and now they just sit back and talk smack about everyone in their freetime

break the fourth wall-

uhhhh im scared

why am I scared

he's scary

hehe flowers for Ricky, obviously for Ricky, ObViOuSLY

oh boy poor Michael

this man is in love, rip

why does Ms Jenn always look at people with her eyes open so wide

LILYYYY

I'm only excited because I really like the idea of lily and Ricky being friends, nothing more.

ha this guy's got jokes

a MOAT AROUND THE SCHOOL

wheeze

also he's very pretty.

"the wolves and very talented humans"

how dare he forget to mention the very talented wolves and normal humans, smh erasure

"being nice, what a concept" ted talk by Lily who still doesn't have a last name

did she just say lol out loud

same with the hug emoji last episode-

go touch some grass babes

the way he didn't say no, but said he didn't know how the east high kids would react-

not saying he does want to date her but that's an interesting thing to think about, also another thing to write an essay analysis on just to leave it in my drafts for a few months

awww lily genuinely trying to help him

sorry guys, I've been taken by the Lily charm (didn't know it existed until now but oh well)

REMEMBER WHEN I SAID I'LL NEVER SHIP PORTWELL?

just look at me now

the Lily wink I can't she's so cute-

HELP ME I'M BEING HELD HOSTAGE BY LIL-

David Attenborough?

oh nvm it's Benjamin narrating the show in a really weird British accent for some reason.

STEPHY GOT MORE LINES YAY GOOD FOR HER

also is this to show that Nini doesn't care about being the star of the show anymore? the way she's supporting everyone else even though she's a fork?

I would pay for a special of the full musical ngl

OOO THE TRANSFORMATION WAS SMOOTH

shockingly

yo where did the makeup come from

man I wish I was a theatre kid

THIS IS STEPHY'S EPISODE NOW IDC✋

my girl is starring

"needs an X-factor"

Simon Cowbell creeps in

"it's a yes from me"

and them boom, he takes Nini and mistreats her horribly and then she comes back to theatre after deciding music isn't for her👍

"I thought she just hog-tied him?"

don't ask sebby, it's better if you don't know.

imagine they spotlight the wrong person and this dude is just some random person that likes writing down stuff during shows.

Ms Jenn just let them do what they rehearsed (at some point we never saw) or else this is gonna end horribly wrong

"help"

same Carlos, same

I love how seb is just his translator rn

I thought he said "great displeasure" instead of "greatest pleasure"....help?

big red coming out from throwing up to see his girlfriend star is the cutest thing in this show.

Ash and Gina dancing is so fun

I'm imagining them practicing at night at their home, watching the movie for the 100th time and making sure their one dance together is perfect

KOURTNEY YES

HOWIE IS IN LOVE AHHHH

I LOVE HOWIE SO MUCH

SEBBY

THIS SCENE HAS SO MUCH GOING ON I CAN'T KEEP UP

THIS IS SO GOOD

HOW???

no because I'm actually crying

I'm dead serious.

we need this musical released as a special

big red is so proud and I love to see it

Natalie: "if you do not by at least 20 dollars in concessions, you do not support art"

rando in the audience: "but I pay for ad free Spotify"

Mr Mazzara clapping in the distance

Gigi, the guy you like is talking to you, complimenting you and hyping you up

YOU LUCKY LITTLE FEATHER DUSTER

aw EJ teasing her about the chocolates in a way that doesn't make her feel bad? take notes Richard

JORDAN FISHER

there is no rest of the show idc Jordan is it for me

THE WIG CAP ON RICKY OMG

they look like they're high and having "deep" conversations on the floor

THE MEAN GIRL WITH THE EYES-

@sunshine-julie-molina YOU HEAR THAT

Natalie really just be coming for them all

Howie what is happening rn

I'm scared

"did you enjoy it"

"very much"

dude wants a kiss so bad

ASHLYN OMG

NO DON'T DO IT BECAUSE OF LILY, PUT YOUR OWN TWIST ON IT

I want a Jordan autograph please

just keep swim- oh pushing...

Gina is literally a giant next to him and I live for it

am I about to cry for the 3rd time in this episode?

yes.

Ricky's leg kicks under the table makes me so happy aw

the portwell glances will kill me.

ah yes, mashed potato snow

Mr. M.... I'm not a theatre kid but even I know you can't have your phone on backstage.

Howie please just do it

CHIP'S BIG LINE I CANT

I LITERALLY HAD TO PAUSE IT AMD SCREAM INTO MY MASK FOR A SOLID 2 MINUTES (I'm not at home rn) HES SO CUTE

oh ok bye Jordan

oo tea

NOT HIM BEING STARSTRUCK BECAUSE HE'S MEETING HIS FUTURE BROTHER IN LAW-

"we're all just glad Gigi has a big brother figure in her life"

excuse me for a few thousand hours while I laugh hysterically

THE CAMERA ZOOM ON EJS FACE AND EVERYTHING-

STOP EJ LOOKS LIKE HE'S GONNA CRY BUT I CAN'T TAKE HIM SERIOUSLY WITH THE STAGE MAKE-UP

someone else said this already but I think it's hilarious that they had to bring in 2 guest characters to create some portwell angst

omg this really is Cici's episode, found family is their thing

elevator music lol

I'm gonna bet that big red took the harness for his surprise for Ashlyn without realising what it was

did Ms. Jenn just....tell her most mentally unstable student....to commit suicide....on a disney show...was that....I'm very....well....what the actual-

oh and there she goes running off instead of trying to make it right

oh wow Nini's the hero, she's gonna save the show 🤩

😐

the judge is doing a sudoku

honestly if I went to the hsm show as well, I'd come prepared for this one too

Lily why are you looking like that-

I WAS JUST STARTING TO LIKE YOU DON'T MESS THIS UP

wow ok, there goes that.

omg

what if Howie was acting weird because he knew what Lily did and wanted to tell Kourtbut Lily threatened him so he was scared to-

anyways see y'all clowns next week when we all simultaneously lose all motivation for the week without Fridays to look forward to.

[willowistic22]

Dot : #3 Newsies OC

Ok hehehe new newsies oc lol. Kinda my first ever OC but I’ve only gotten around to write a proper character sheet for her now. So yay I got it done after like..... months already??? whoops 

Basic Info :

Name : Nora “Dot” Conlon

Birthday : July 29th

Gender : Female (She/her)

Heritage : Italian

Family : She is Spot’s little sister. They’re just a year apart. Their father looked after them for the most part till he died when Nora was 9 years old (Spot 10) and they were taken care of by their uncle, which is their father’s younger brother.

Appearance : Nora is basically as tall as Spot, but her features are more feminine and small compared to Spot’s big and muscular ones. Jet black hair, almost dark brown when the sun shines on it but it’s actually just black, gently curled at the end when it brushes with her shoulders. Honey eyes like her brother. Ivory tinted rose complexion but it’s cleaner than Spot’s. Natural peach lips. So basically a female version of Spot Conlon.

Further description :

- specifically canon :

Nora isn’t exactly a newsie. She’s mostly a seamstress at a local tailor shop but sometimes sells newspapers on her days off. Though she does have a dream of being a book author. Her lucky selling spot is at a local market or sheepshead at times. Spot and Nora’s uncle was already struggling living on his own, and was made harder after taking two kids in. But he couldn’t abandon them since they’re family and he owes their father (who is his older brother) a lot. Spot was already a Brooklyn newsie before the siblings had moved in with their uncle but permanently slept at the Brooklyn Lodging house when he was 12 to make more space at the apartment. He frequently visits his family for the occasional dinner.

At times, Nora would sleep at the lodge as well. When she’s done selling and got carried away hanging out with her brooksie friends till it got too dark. Or Nora just felt like spending the night with her brother by her side. She gets along with the other brooksies. She teams up with Hotshot to play tricks on Spot or the other brooksies. She hangs out with Smokey (my other Brooklyn OC) on the side while the two watch the brooksies from the docks dipping in the water since Nora doesn’t really like swimming in front of a lot of people who are mostly boys. She bonds with the other newsies through casual conversations, messing around, and sometimes the small but kind gestures she does like sewing the tear in their clothes, giving away stuff, bringing them some food, or helping them go back to sleep after waking up from a nightmare. She’s also very good at various card games and has been known to be the best at them. Though, she gets very competitive when competing with Race because they’re just both equally good!

When the strike happened, she was 15. She felt unsure about it. Unsure whether to tell Spot to get Brooklyn to join or say nothing and agree with his decision in not joining the strike. But when Brooklyn did, Nora supported the Brooksies by providing the food they couldn’t pay. She meets the Manhattan newsies that way but has already met a few before the strike, like Albert because he's been friends with Spot since before the strike. Nora meets Kathrine and Sarah and instantly becomes friends. She frequently third wheels them on secret dates, and it covers it up to look like a casual girls night!

- specifically modern :

His uncle’s finances can barely support a family of three, so Nora works part time as a seamstress after school. Despite her skills at sewing, she has a passion for writing and photography. She later works for a magazine mostly as a photographer but sometimes as a columnist for a certain section. Her dream is to be a wildlife photographer because she loves animals and traveling!

So I’ve mentioned that in the modern era Spot, Hotshot, Albert, and Smokey are street racers (well in their teenage years at least). Nora is no exception. She’s a badass behind the wheel. Spot taught her the ropes and soon learned a few more tricks on her own. Despite her brother’s support in street racing, he explicitly means cars. Motorcycles on the other hand is a different story. Spot knows Nora can keep herself safe on the road whether it’s with a car or a bike, but some people don’t. Unlike cars, bikes don’t have doors or any other form of protection from getting hit. Spot knows how to ride one, but barely uses that skill to get around because of that specific reason. So instead she asks Hotshot to teach her. Other than her car, she goes around the city with her vespa or borrow Hotshot’s sports bike if she wants to feel a bit like a badass.

Nora wasn’t introduced to Spot’s Manhattan friends until she had reached adulthood. Race and Spot’s relationship was still casual for so long and after talks with Nora their relationship got serious. It took years to convince his brother to trust his feelings and he feels it’s the best thing Nora has ever convinced him to do. So one night where the huge friend group was planning a hangout, Spot invites Nora to tag along. Despite her friendliness, she doesn’t really extend her hand in friendship with others often so it got her a bit nervous and needed to change her outfit about seven times before arriving at their hangout place. She still didn’t like her outfit. To her surprise, she clicks with the others just fine! Spot was glad since she doesn’t have many friends in general. She hates everyone from her old high school other than Spot, his friends Nora has adopted to be her own friend, and probably like two other people from her grade (i.e. her best friends).

- applies to both :

So Nora is a very tough girl that doesn’t like taking shit from anyone. Yes, she’s kind hearted, friendly, and graceful in general. But get on her bad side and she’ll beat the crap outta you! Spot taught her how to fight by giving her little bits of advice throughout her life when she’s required to use her fist. It’s to the point where Spot got her alone and properly trained her how to punch. And with such an inquisitive nature, she kept on asking for more which led to her fully being able to defend herself by the age of 14. She may seem friendly on the outside, but that doesn’t mean she’s your friend or even trust you. Nora displays the difference between tolerating and liking someone.

Her untrusting instinct towards people in general came from her bad experience from being abandoned by her mother. No one ever knew why the woman abandoned her family in the first place. Her father tried his best to be vague any time his children asked, but it was safe to say there was a more specific reason why she left. Their father’s last wishes before he passed away is to not answer that question. It frustrated the siblings but they honored it at the end. Nora hated the feeling of being abandoned. When she got older, she began to understand the concept more and had a short period in her life where she had trouble with her self image. But she picked herself up and became the woman her friends know and love.

Spot and Nora are actually really close. Nora was the first one that started calling him Spot because anytime the two holds slingshot competitions, her brother is always spot on. Ever since that started, Nora always refers to him as Spot. Occasionally, Spot calls Nora dot after joking about the little black dot just below her right eye. It became a brand for the two. Spot and Dot! Their personalities range from ‘the-exact-same-person’ and ‘polar-opposites’, there is no in between. They’d do anything for the other. Other than perhaps Racetrack and Hotshot, Nora is the only one that gets to see Spot vulnerable. Heck, she was the first one! Is Spot the overprotective big brother? Yes and no. He knows Nora can handle anything that comes her way. She doesn’t need help when someone is bothering her. Spot would hold her hat and proudly watch her tussle with a stranger that decided to get on her bad side. But there are times where she trusted the wrong guy with her heart. A few devastating heartbreaks indeed but she was lucky that it didn’t do much damage, other than maybe ruining her trust in others more. And to that, Spot hunts those assholes down till they get a proper beating :)

It was a pretty funny story of how Nora and Crutchie met. She fell for him. As in she tripped over something while walking and landed on Crutchie and caused the two to fall on the pavement. In canon era, Nora was in Manhattan and was running late to be somewhere else. She tripped and fell on top of Crutchie, causing all the paper he still needed to sell to fly off to the distance. After apologizing, they had a short conversation and it got her mesmerized by the boy. In modern era, the same thing happened. Only it was Crutchie’s textbooks that fell and he’s the one running late for one of his morning classes. Their conversation was short after that but they impressed the other quite well. They met up again when Spot invited her to meet his friends from Manhattan. They had a more in depth conversation on their own while their friends were having fun and Nora was definitely crushing on him hard.

(I still got more headcanons for her but that would make this post even longer. Feel free to ask questions if you’d like to know more about her!) 

[cleverbroadwayurl]

Nobody Needs to Know (Jeremy Heere x Reader Pt 18)

Song: Nobody Needs to Know from The Last Five Years

Word Count: 5984

Need to Catch Up? PART 1 PART 2 PART 3 PART 4 PART 5 PART 6 PART 7 PART 8 PART 9 PART 10 PART 11 PART 12 PART 13 PART 14 PART 15 PART 16 PART 17 

Want More? PART 19

A/N: I did it! I’m not sure how, but I did it!! Yay!! Here’s Part 18, I hope everyone enjoys, I tried to add some cute moments! Let me know if you’re looking for the link to the Part 15 Supplement Can’t Help Falling in Love! 

Trigger Warnings: mentions of injuries, mentions of abuse, self depreciating, mentions of an abusive boyfriend, LET ME KNOW IF I MISSED SOMETHING ASAP 

Taglist: @catatonic-kuragin @be-more-heidi-hansen @retrogarden @scarsonthecuffsofyourjeans @bluhimaweirdo @stargirl-murphy (happy late birthday btw!!) 

Jeremy gave a laugh for the first time that night before following Michael out through the doors they had before, high fiving and smiling all the way to the cruiser that had sat innocently outside the emergency room for hours. Yeah, things were going to be just fine.

Jeremy sat in the gazebo, the same one that he’d been watching not so long ago while he was waiting for you on top of a blanket, supplies in the back of his car for anything and everything—except what had actually happened. You’d asked him there this time, promising to show up when you could, telling him that sometimes your follow up appointments went longer than they were scheduled. As much as he wanted to be calmer than the last time, he discovered that he couldn’t. The fears were there, this time the reality of danger and the events had been encrypted into his daydreams. His hands were sweaty perpetually, almost like every time he attempted to get rid of the moisture, it would just come back with full force, seemingly worse than it had been the last time. He also can’t stop from fidgeting, fingers hitting the white painted wooden bench in the gazebo to playing with the loose thread on his jeans, to just plain running his hands across one another. Maybe that’s how he’d realized the sweat being worse than normal.

He decides it would be a good idea to shift his focus to other things in the park. It would distract him from being worried about you, every minute that you could be late could be another hurtful thing that’s happening; unable to be controlled and unable to keep you safe like he’d promised to do so long ago. Jeremy notices a man jogging amidst the trees, briskly keeping his heartrate up and Jeremy is sure he can see a Fitbit on the guy’s wrist, marking time, keeping up, noting every little thing that the jogger is doing. He shifts his eyes somewhere else, quickly noticing a golden retriever running with its owner and playing fetch. He smiles at the dog, relaxing a little bit as they jump and bark at their owner, almost begging to throw the ball again. And as much as he loved watching the dog; as much as it calmed him down, he made a note to point it out to you when you got there. Jeremy knows how much you’d love the dog, he can practically see eyes shining and your smile wide as you talk about how adorable they are.

He’s early; but that’s what Jeremy wanted. Follow up appointments aren’t fun, and he knows that you’d probably been told to rest, that a lot happened, and in order to heal properly, you’d need some time just napping, sitting, and laying around for a bit. Even if you hadn’t been told to rest and to take some time for yourself, Jeremy would be the biggest advocate for it. He’d played Night in the Woods, knowing that Mae can’t even eat solid food when she first gets home. Sure, this was fact and not fiction, but it was better to rest for a long time than to hurt yourself more because you thought you were okay. And there’s a tugging at Jeremy, knowing that if you’re late, he’d understand completely. The last time he’d been left in the park wasn’t your fault, as much as you wanted to put the blame on yourself. But it wasn’t, and if he was honest, the only thing Jeremy wanted was to keep you safe and happy. If you bailed last second because you were just too weak? He’d understand and just go home, maybe facetime you later if you really wanted to talk.

That, and it’s a nice day. The golden hour was just beginning, light blues and bright yellow sunrays now turning golden with each passing minute in the warm summer evening. Jeremy smiles to himself—you were definitely going to point out that it was the golden hour and how much you loved everything completely basked in the light of day, summer nights being almost as beautiful as the mornings when you wake up by yourself and enjoy a cup of coffee while waiting for the rest of the world to awaken. It’s peaceful, almost tranquil in the morning, and frankly, at the park. Maybe warmer, maybe more humid, but the idea was there, summer grills just beginning to be fired up in the distance around the suburban area. He wipes his hands on his jeans again.

Jeremy pulls out his phone, checking the time. It’s still 5 minutes before the range of times you said you’d be there, but he decides to look at the text you’d sent again. It was evidence, something that was real. This time you’d asked him to the park to talk and spend time with good company. Or at least, he assumed you liked him, given all the time you’d spent together. His eyes dance over the text, heating racing at the thought of spending more time with you before leaving for college.

You: Hey! I was released yesterday and I was wondering if you wanted to hang out? I want to make things up, but if you don’t, I totally understand!

His heart does a flip as he locks his phone; back into his dark wash jean pocket it goes. Jeremy had decided to wear the same outfit Brooke had recommended before; it was easy, the clothes were recently washed, and he didn’t have to ask for more help. There was also the added fact that Brooke probably knew you’d been hospitalized and might want details that Jeremy can barely keep a secret from any wondering questions. It was easier this way. Keeping this meeting as secretive as he could might keep you safe for longer than it would if anyone except Michael, his dad, and honestly probably Mrs. and Mrs. Mell knew it.

A breeze passes through and the leaves shake a little bit, sun streaming through each leaf and making it glow, the clapping washing through the area. Jeremy eyes the spot he’d been waiting at for a second. He can practically see the blanket, almost reliving the heartbreak and hurt of that night. He can remember the panic of figuring out, the minutes wasted at Michael’s house, Brooke walking her dogs with Chloe, the lie about the sweater—that damn sweater. Jeremy physically shakes his head of those thoughts, closing his eyes as he does so, refocusing on the white painted wooden gazebo bench. You’re totally fine. He never realized the gazebo had a light inside of it, but now that he was seated inside of the beautiful shelter, it made sense why this was such a popular date spot. Not that this was a date, it was just something you’d suggested.

But should he have brought something for you? You did just get out of the hospital after some pretty serious stuff. Maybe he should’ve gotten you flowers or a small stuffed animal that can fit in your bag; just a reminder that he cares and is there for you. Then again, if either of those things were found, that might be another reason for you getting injured at the hands of the inhuman monster you were dating.

Jeremy can hear footsteps coming up the stairs, and his head whips around to see you, giving him a smile. He notices your hand gripping the railing and immediately rushes up to help. Stepping down two of the stairs, he offers his arm to lean against for extra support. You gladly take it, smiling as a small “thank you” slips from your lips. The two of you get to the top, but Jeremy can’t fathom letting go as you step across to the bench that Jeremy had been sitting at. Another breeze, more clapping and sunshine. When the two of you reach the bench, Jeremy helps you sit down, flashes of grimaces come across your face, clearly still in pain from the events that happened before.

Once you’re seated, Jeremy follows suit, giving you some space so that if you need to adjust at any moment, you’re able to. It’s now that Jeremy is reminded of just how badly things had gotten. You had been in the hospital for a week and a half, but you still needed help doing basic actions, and probably had to recover from any movement. If it was from anything, it was probably the ribcage that really did you in. Jeremy had heard of really terrible abdominal surgeries, how patients can’t move properly for a while afterwards. Maybe that’s why he was so inclined to help you. Well, that, and what kind of deranged animal wouldn’t help someone who needed it? A person appeared in Jeremy’s mind, one that you knew too well, before he dismissed the thought and refocused on you.

It was now that Jeremy realized his sweater was in your hand, probably from the bag that now sat next to you. The sun kept shining as you began to speak, smiling at him with that sweet smile he’d seen several times before, and yet always seemed to forget how it made it him feel until it appeared on your face once again. “Hey, thanks for meeting me on such a weird notice. I wanted to meet up before we like get too busy because, you know, college and stuff.”

“No problem,” a blush creeps over Jeremy’s cheeks. He can feel the moisture accumulate against his hands again—he’s nervous. He shouldn’t be nervous around you anymore. He inhales, ready to say more, but you get there faster than he does.

“How are you?”

Blinking fast, Jeremy is taken aback by your question. He thought for sure that you wouldn’t ask about him. Wasn’t this meeting supposed to be about…he actually wasn’t sure anymore. But he was sure that he just wanted to see you again; maybe that’s why he’d said yes to meeting up at the same heinous spot. He somehow manages to stutter out a response to you, “O-Oh? I’m good. Yeah, uhh, how are you?”

You nod, eyes shifting to the floor before smiling at him once again. “I’m okay. Better now that I’m actually out of my house and doing something fun. Not just, you know, follow up doctor’s appointments and how I’m not supposed to do x or y or z until whenever.”

There’s a second that Jeremy can feel his entire face light up, turning redder than it had in weeks, perhaps since you’d agreed to go stargazing with him. You had just admitting to having fun with him. You wanted to see him, and Jeremy was just…so smitten by that fact. He can feel his heart flutter similar to a butterfly, almost hitting the edge of his ribcage so hard that he was sure it would make an escape. “I’m glad,” is all he can manage to get out, especially when you’re looking at him like he’s the entire world.

“Yeah, me too.” You smile wider before your eyes shift around, breaking away from your own gaze as you scan the gazebo. Your eyes finally land onto the flooring of the structure before you half mumble out a “Kinda sick of white walls right now.” A grimace comes across your face and remains for a few seconds, almost like those phrases alone could cause food poisoning in the next breath.

Jeremy pauses and remains observing you, just for a few seconds before it dawns upon him that you’re doing what he had been before—partially reliving that same fateful night, flashes from the white hospital walls and whatever else you’d seen. He isn’t sure what the interior of your boyfriend’s house looks like, but given that his house also has white walls, there has to be an element of that as well as the same hospital room you were so used to seeing. It’s what many would call a flashback, but he knows sometimes that doesn’t feel like the right term. He can practically see you crumbling, getting upset by your own attempt at a joke; knowing how damaging that is, knowing how painful it is that you just managed to hurt yourself while trying to be better, trying to forget. There’s a moment that he waits, debating on what to do, before making a bold choice and placing his hand onto the space between you to, having it rest onto the bench, palm towards the stars that would be appearing in a few hours. That way, it’s a choice, without you having to say something—usually normal bodily functions aren’t an option in these moments of needing help in the most eccentric way.

You look at his hand out of the corner of your eye, Jeremy’s gaze softening as he realizes you’re contemplating doing it. If there’s something he wants to be for you, it’s comfort, safety, the idea that he’s soft and would never, and he means ever, hurt his significant other intentionally. Fuck, he wouldn’t even do that to his friends. He doesn’t realize he’s beginning to zone out until Jeremy feels your hand slip into his open one, a contract of trust being enforced with every passing second that physical contact is made. He can see the etchings of the bruise that had been there before slipping out from behind your light long sleeves. You’re still staring at a specific point, unaware that every ounce of light around you now seems to point to you, as if you were the most important star in every galaxy, any galaxy. His mind shifts through the things that had been said to him by Michael when he got like this after the SQUIP, memories, choices, things haunting him as your mind flashes through everything. It’s now that he decides that Michael’s sayings might not work right now. So he shifted to the things Christine used to tell him; things she’d looked up because she cared and wanted to help so much. He can recall a specific phrase she’d said, one that rang in his head louder than anything else; the most important one that had ever been said. He quietly, almost a whisper, sent the phrase out, hoping it would help: “Hey, it’s over now. It’s okay.”

There’s a moment that you process the information before nodding and moving your head back to him, every quickly following. Your back is still practically cemented to the wall of the gazebo. Your hand squeezes his before you let go of it, finally letting Jeremy get a full view of your face when it’s just resting. He can see the outlines of the bruise and marks you had, your attempt at hiding them with makeup, but chose not to say anything. It was better for the both of you to leave the topic alone. He could feel himself tense, however, at the bruises that still littered your neck, the marks of struggle, of oxygen deprivation still there, almost glaring at him from the depths of that night. You softly whisper a “sorry” into the air, almost masked by the gentle breeze that keeps making its way through the area.

“It’s okay. I can’t imagine how hard this has been.” Jeremy wasn’t lying. He actually didn’t know about everything you were going through. He had an idea, but he obviously didn’t have all the information.

“Thanks.”

There’s another pause, and the air finally settles around you two, sunrays more golden than before, almost making the scene around you two angelic. It was like good was streaming through the gazebo and the park, even though almost everyone in the time zone had the same golden hour experience. But they didn’t matter right now. Their moment in the gold wasn’t as important as this one between you and Jeremy. It’s now that Jeremy notices that the dog and their owner is long gone, the jogger probably home for dinner. It’s just you two, spending time together in the secluded area.

A vibration rings out into the air, and you immediately look over, tension now shooting through every muscle, no matter the pain. It’s involuntary, a reaction, a reflex at this point. You picked up you phone; it must’ve just been resting on the bench, and read the message to yourself, not saying anything. Jeremy assumed that it was your mom or your best friend, despite the tension that was definitely something you’d been trained to do. Yeah, it was probably your parents asking about where you were, when you’d be home, or your best friend asking about when you’d be available so that you two could see each other before the ever-looming departure to college. You look you’re your shoulder, a flinch, before scanning the area around the gazebo, Ford’s Park never looking so graceful. There’s a pause, a rest, before you lock your phone, not typing out a reply and setting it back beside you.

“Are you okay?” he asks, tempted to look around in the same manner you just did.

“Yeah, totally. Just uhh I have plans after this. My boyfriend wants to make things up to me. But you now, he said he wasn’t home so uhh I was just making sure he wasn’t around. I don’t want to put you in danger, especially when all you’ve done is be my friend when things got rough. You shouldn’t be punished for that.”

Jeremy freezes. The warmth that was once around him, and frankly in him from your presence, was gone. You just said boyfriend. Not ­ex-boyfriend. Meaning that you were still in a relationship with him, meaning you were still in danger, meaning that this meeting just got that much more crucial; you couldn’t be seen in public with him, or else who knows what would happen? It was just accusations last time, right? But if he saw this, what would that mean? And why hadn’t you left him in the safety of the hospital? Why hadn’t you—

Jeremy stops himself. He knows that’s victim blaming, how hurtful those thoughts are, how painful it is for someone you consider a friend to say that. Refocusing, he notices that the end of your sentence was about him being in danger. But what about you? His heart sunk. You put him above yourself; you don’t care about what happens to you, even while still injured and still needing help to walk a few feet and up any stairs. At this point, another beating, another session of abuse, could result in your death. Fuck, how long had it been since someone told you that you mattered? And not just because you were supposed to work as a therapist, parent, and partner to someone who didn’t deserve it? How long had it been since someone had shown you some kind of softness that didn’t come from the short sessions with him? Because to him, you deserved it constantly and consistently. You deserved to be happy in your skin, or with someone if you so chose to. Not whatever the fuck this dysfunctional thing was. You deserved—

“I know, Jeremy. I know it’s bad that we’re dating still. I want to break up with him, I just…don’t know how.”

Jeremy nods, still somewhat staring off into space before meeting your eyes. “That’s totally understandable.”

And it was. Things like this needed to be handled with care. His thoughts drifted off into how you could break up with him safely, but his mind kept getting blocked. He didn’t know a lot about this situation, he didn’t know a lot about your boyfriend. He just had the urge to keep you safe. Then again, what about your parents? Didn’t they know what happened? And your best friend? The ones who were there for you when you needed it?

“What’s up?” You interrupt his thoughts once more, Jeremy warping back into the tranquil park, still abandoned by everyone except you two. A minute of worry soars from you; and suddenly Jeremy knows how quiet he’s been. He knows what that must read to you. He takes a second to relax, telling himself that it probably wasn’t good to blame your friends and family. If anything, your best friend was probably in the same boat as Jeremy. It wasn’t fair to think these things about you or your lifestyle, especially that you’d just confessed that you wanted out. It’s not your fault, this whole time, nothing has been your fault, despite what you’ve been told. And that was another thing, your boyfriend probably lied to people, they probably thought you’d just fallen down the stairs or something that wasn’t his fault. A lie he could perpetually tell himself so that he could continue to live in a lie.

“I’m just thinking about this whole situation,” he finally responds.

“I know, I’m stupid for not doing it sooner and stuff, but fuck, Jeremy, you have to understand that it’s not always bad. Sometimes it looks like everything is going to go back to what it was when we first started dating. This, right now, is an upswing until I’m back to full health. You know, like full HP.”

Both of you chuckle at that last statement, ease seeping through the wide windows of the gazebo as the sun continues to set in the West. It’s easier to talk now, and Jeremy fully understands your coping mechanism—or at least to understand that jokes from you are to laughed at, encouraged, and that it was just you talking about feelings in that typical passive way. The chuckles break out into full-fledged laughter after a second, something about “unfortunately, this isn’t like Zelda, where I’m going to get extra hearts for beating a boss”. The laughter was the only thing to beat out the whispers of the breeze, making the gold not only coming from the sun, but from you as well. It dies down after a minute or two, and finally you settle back down. Jeremy now notices the flinch that comes with laughter now, and he quickly has an “Are you okay?” flying from his mouth.

“Yeah, Jeremy. I think some of my pain meds are wearing off, but I think this conversation is worth it. I haven’t laughed like that in like decades.”

There’s another second that Jeremy nods before he speaks up again, concern laced with his words. “I would offer advice, but I don’t know the entire situation as well as you do. Please be safe though, okay?”

“Jeremy, you don’t need to worry about me. You should focus on you for a bit. I mean, we’re going off to college soon.” Your eyes set into the distance, almost fixed on one specific branch of a tree just outside of the gazebo. It’s similar to the one he’d seen a few minutes ago, but less intense. It’s more a deep in thought stare, rather than a mental health endangering gaze. But still, Jeremy can sense something is off.

“You okay?”

It’s soft and quiet, but he can see your hands tensing and clenching together, jaw remaining stoic. “Hmm?” you recover after a few seconds, unclasping your hands. “Oh, uhh yeah. Just thinking too much.”

The air settles as Jeremy’s mind turns its gears; he’s definitely heard that before. It only takes a few seconds before it pinpoints the exact reference. “Did you get that from Kate Marsh? Life is Strange, episode 1?”

“Shit, Jeremy, maybe you know me too well.”

You two laugh again, and even though yours is a little strained, the moment is almost perfect. This is what that night a week and a half ago should’ve been. Soft blushes, laughing at jokes that only you two understand, light hearts, light minds, and absolutely no worries. The added element of the stars would’ve made this moment absolutely marvelous, but the golden light turning pink would do; it was absolutely better than nothing, playing video games in Michael’s basement while worrying about your well being as Michael kicked his ass at Mario Kart again. But this? Yeah, he wouldn’t trade this time, this moment, for anything in the world. The laughter doesn’t continue for much longer, dying down into nothingness. The sun continues to set, almost making you look radiant. Jeremy’s heart skips a beat before he continues the conversation.

“What were you thinking so hard about?”

You almost flinch at the question, your own thoughts, anything that was happening in your brain before. Wiping your hands on your pants, much like Jeremy does, you begin to fidget, words coming shakily and oddly out of your mouth. “I don’t know. Just like I’ve lost a lot of friends and I don’t want to lose you. I think you deserve some stress-free alone time.”

Jeremy’s heart sinks. He offers up his hand once again, in the same manner as before, knowing that holding hands is grounding and helpful to him; he’s sure it’s helpful to you. He can see the hurt, the things he’d seen before, both in himself and in you from the past few minutes, past few months, but this time there’s an element that isn’t there before. You were alone. You were isolated. And most importantly, you thought that you were a burden to everyone, including your friends. This is exactly what your boyfriend wanted. He wanted you to not have a lifeline so that this could go on for years. Just like the SQUIP had done to Jeremy with Michael and with his dad. But Jeremy considered himself pretty smart. He knew the tactics, and knew that no matter what, no matter how hard your boyfriend tried, Jeremy would still call himself your friend. He’d been in the same situation and was still grateful to Michael. This was his chance to return the favor. He saw himself in you, saw that you needed someone, and Jeremy was more than happy to be that someone.

Throughout the thoughts, Jeremy’s hand must’ve relaxed, it folding in like a dead spider in the middle of winter. And the only way he knew that was because you grabbed your hand in his, squeezing it tightly, almost awakening him from a daydream of essentially being your hero; the protagonist that maybe doesn’t get the love interest but helps them get out of their crappy situation. He can feel your eyes on him, waiting for him to say something, anything. The desperation slipped through your gaze and oozed into Jeremy’s life.

But he doesn’t really have anything to say. Instead, he meets the gaze, mustering up all of the softness in his heart—which, was a lot while hanging out with you, at any given moment. He can feel himself change with every millisecond that you two are observing each other, hands perfectly intertwined. He squeezes back, and see the corners of your mouth turn upwards, pink making it’s way into your cheeks like pink had made its way through the sky, the golden hour slowly fading away. The rest of the world fades away, everything except the gazebo untouchable, you two unable to be disturbed in this beautiful moment, soft breezes keeping the temperature at almost a near perfect.

You sigh, shoulders relaxing as you keep your eyes stuck on him, love—platonic or not—steeping in the twilight. You inhale a little bit before something leaves your lips, a truth that had been always an undertone finally becoming an overtone. “Shit, I need to leave him, huh?”

Jeremy just nods, his thumb gently gliding across your hand, forming patterns, circles, and calming figures.

“How am I gonna do that? I’m sorry for like, talking about it. It just hits me sometimes.” Your eyes had broken the moment by now, again staring unambitiously at the world around you.

“You know him better than I do, but if you need my help, I’m prepared to do anything to offer it.

You nod before smiling at Jeremy once again. This time, you use your other hand to prop yourself up, turning yourself towards him. He wordlessly offers his other hand to help you, but you wave it away, almost creating a secret language between the two of you, enjoying the silence, the little stress of the moment. Another minute passes, and there’s an urge that soars in Jeremy’s chest. He knows it’s a bad urge, it’s something that should be suppressed, but he can see the same thing in you. There’s a second, a confirmation, before both of you begin to lean in, your other hand working as a kickstand while Jeremy squeezes your hand, slowly almost pulling you into him, into comfort, into something you both seemed to want. You smile widely as he follows your actions, excitement bubbling up and out of him as chuckles leave both of your mouths. It’s almost awkward, but it isn’t. The laughter makes it better, ringing out the rush of leaning in to kiss someone you like spending time with, someone you’d do anything for, someone who makes your life better, someone who keeps you grounded in every small and large gesture. The laughter rings out and circles around you two, finally getting close enough where Jeremy is about to speak, about to make sure this is okay, that you’re as comfortable as he is, that you want this as much as he does. He can see your hand out of the corner of his eye, a constant reminder to be gentle; you’re still injured, maybe you’d need his help once you two finally get to the end goal of this urge. Inhale. He opens his mouth for a second, ready to ask that one necessary question—

When your phone vibrates instead. He continues to hold you hand as you check your phone, both of you already knowing who the text is from, both of you knowing that this meeting is officially probably over. You sigh and lock your phone, still no reply coming from you. There’s a second that you squeeze his hand extra hard before you say something maybe not so surprising to him. “I wish I could stay here forever.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

You stop for a second before looking back at Jeremy, “Do you think I could cancel, or would that be shitty of me?”

Jeremy contemplates the choices. Cancelling like this could be dangerous, no matter how good the upswing. As much as he wants to spend the night with you, holding you and keeping you safe for sure, making sure you’re getting rest, fluids, and following every doctor’s orders, you need to be there. For your safety. “As much as I want to stay here with you, maybe?”

“Yeah, I guess,” you give a sad smile before continuing, “So, I should go. I mean, I’m supposed to be there now, but I don’t know, I lose track of time talking to you, I guess.”

He nods, unsure of how exactly to respond to that, before you give a little smile at him, this one brighter, genuine, the one he craves even in the deepest sleep. You let go of his hand, grabbing your bag and slinging it over yourself carefully. Your hand grabs his blue sweater, and you give it to him, folded nicely. Jeremy can’t help but put it on, it smells like you, brings sweet reminders of all-too-good moments that you no less than deserved. You blush, and he returns it, wordlessly telling each other how important that one article of clothing is. Placing your hands beside yourself, you get ready to stand up and be on your way.

Making a bold choice, Jeremy decides to help you up, standing before you with his arms stretched out, blue sweater reaching his wrists perfectly, delicately. You grab his hands, and he acts as a stabilizer, tugging you up as well as out of the seat. There’s a moment of equilibrium before you almost crash into him. He moves his hands by instinct so they wrap around you, holding you up against him, giggles coming from both of you as the action is done. The both of you get stable after a second, the giggles fading as you two realize your faces are inches apart from one another.

Jeremy looks at you, making sure you’re okay; you’re not usually this quiet. What he sees etched into your features is a look he hasn’t seen before. It’s like your committing every aspect of this moment to memory, every curve of his face, the way he blushes (which he was sure he was doing), the way that the conversation went, every noise, every time the clapping leaves made themselves known, the depleting of the golden hour, every hue that is basked around you two, every little thing about every little moment—even the one that was fading away. At least, that’s what Jeremy can assume you’re doing; that’s what he’s doing. But this look is something new, newer light inside of you making itself known like in a Pre-Raphaelite painting, eyes looking directly at him rather than somewhere in the distance. The best word he could come up with to describe the way you’re looking at him was wonder. You’re looking at him in wonder, almost like he’s everything. But that was a lie. You were everything; feeling himself looking at you in the same manner.

He can feel you inhale, body still somewhat against his as he helps you stay afloat. Your lips barely part, a simple request making its way into reality. “Jeremy, can I kiss your cheek?”

“Uhh…what?” Jeremy asks, still processing everything, still encrypting everything into memory. He finally catches up, face flushing red, “Oh uhh yeah.”

You smile at him, and he can feel that smile imprint onto his face, soft lips set his whole body aflame, passion keeping his face completely red, your touch still lingering on his cheek. You pull away and readjust so you’re just holding both of his hands like you once had. You begin to walk towards the steps, hands slipping out so you can grab the railing and make your way away. You aren’t that far away, maybe a foot if he was generous with scaling, before he catches himself, mind reeling still from the simple gesture you’d given him. “Wait,” he starts, before his brain finally catches up. “Can I kiss your forehead?”

Smiling, you nod and give a little “Yeah, of course.” His face breaks out into a wide smile; stepping closer to you and making sure that both of you are stable before he presses his smile against your forehead, giving a soft kiss to it as he can practically hear your smile as he pulls away. Everything is still for a split second before reality hits both of you once again, twilight quickly turning into night.

“I have to go.” Jeremy can hear the sadness in your voice as you rearrange once again, this time to walk down the stairs. Your gaze returns to what it once was, eyes almost glass as you look into the distance.

You two descended the three steps, you leaning against Jeremy the entire time. The moment you two reach the bottom, your arm extends as you walk away, hand slipping away from his in an almost sinisterly slow way. The touch is gone, the moments deceased to memory, as you stepped off, away, and back to your car that must have parked in a spot close enough that you didn’t need help walking back. It probably wouldn’t look great either if he was helping you that much, knowing that you were already late and if someone reported to your boyfriend that you were in his arms that would be just as bad as cancelling on him last second.

He watches you walk away, off into the distance before realizing how creepy that probably is. Jeremy grabs his keys from his pocket, phone still situated where it had been before. He walks carefully back to his car, hoping, wishing, that this is the last date you’ll ever be on with your boyfriend. 

[changarroo]

Lace Up Your Skates // Jisung - Holiday AU

a/n: legit everyone I know is going ice skating and I wanted to write an au about it. 

Genre: Fluff

Word count: 1.8k

Warning: mention of death by car accident

Type of AU: Holiday AU

“A blind date really? That’s your big surprise plan when you texted me?” rolling your eyes at your friends. “Come on Y/N!” she said tossing articles of clothing onto her bed “We both know that it has been about seven months since you been on a date. What do you have to do so afraid of?”. You lowered your head in sadness remembering your past boyfriend. Thinking about him made a tear form and slowly roll down your face.

“Oh Y/N I totally forgot about-”. “It okay Tiff,” you said hugging tightly to your pillow “I just miss him you know? I can’t believe its been ten months since his passing”. “Come on this date could be really fun! And you never know he could the one!”. “The one for me died in a car crash ten months ago”. “Listen,” your friend Tiffany said sitting next to you “as your older sister I hate to see you this sad, life is tough, yes but we have to overcome from those challenges. Now Young-Hyun has a co-worker who we both think would a good match for you”.

“Just think about it okay Y/N, you can’t live your life think that they’re own one person for you, yes people come and go but that is life, what happened to Alec is horrible and I can’t imagine the pain your going through but do you think Alec wishes you to feel this way forever?”.

Soon your sister exited the room and you were left alone with your thoughts. You walked over to the window and stared out into the world. “Hey Alec, it’s me,” you said looking up at the sky “It’s been a while since I seen you and I really miss you. Tiffany said that I should really put myself out there again. I just not ready to forget you I just. Is it okay for me to move up?”.

You then saw a star that shined brighter than the others, was this. Was this a sign? “Well, here I go I guess, shine brightly two more times if you regret this choice, Alec”. You looked up again and the same star looked like the most. “Goodbye Alec, I love you so much always remember that”.

Walking out of your room you saw your sister with her boyfriend. “Hey Tiff, so about that blind date, can you help me pick out an outfit?”. “OMG YAY I HAVE THE CUTEST OUTFIT PLANNED FOR YOU COME ON!” your sister said quickly running to you.

Once you arrived at your closet, your sister started pulling outfits together that will fit the date. “What is the guy like anyway?” you asked looking through your closet. “Well according to Young-Hyun he is a rapper but not like hardcore rap more like lyrical oh and that he kinda looks like a squirrel. Oh what about this?” she said holding your cranberry color sweater. “Maybe if you pair this with high-waisted jeans, oh and that black fur jacket you own” she continued to grab pieces from your closet.  

“Wow just wow” you sister jaw dropped once you walked out in the outfit. “It’s not too much,” you asked looking into the mirror. “You look beautiful, come on the guys are waiting for us”. “Are you going to tell me where the date is going to be? Or what I’m going to do?”. “Nope, it's all a surprise Y/N”. “Great,” you said leaning on your bed frame. Looking down at her watch your sister saw the time and her jaw dropped “crap we have to go”.

The subway ride was pretty nerve-wracking, you didn’t know what to expect from this date. About a thirty minute ride later into town, you both finally reach the inner part of the city. “Young-Hyun just texted me,” your sister said looking down at her phone “They’re are already there and brought our skating ticket already”. “Tiffany, are you sure you think I’m ready to date again?”. “Y/N, any guy would be lucky to meet you let alone date you. Don’t hold yourself back, you will be fine”.

Once you got to the rink you felt butterflies in your stomach. Tiffany ran to her boyfriends once she saw him leaving you behind. You looked behind the couple and saw a blonde hair guy standing awkwardly behind them. “Wow he really does look like a squirrel,” you said to yourself. Gaining some you walked over to him “Hey I’m Y/n you must be the friend of Young-Hyun. “Jisung right?” you extend your hand out for a handshake. “Yeah hi I'm Jisung, I have to warn you I’m not the best at ice skating,” he said shaking your hand. A small laugh left your mouth “Don’t worry I’m not either”.

The handshake turned into the two of you holding each other's hands as you went to go get your skates. Once they were one you were ready for the ice. “The first step on the ice isn’t so bad,” you said to yourself get into the rink. You step onto the ice and you perfectly skate. “Don’t worry I’m not either she said now look at her skating like a pro?” Jisung said holding onto the door to the ice. You skated back to the door reaching your hand out for Jisung to gave it. Holding onto both of your hands Jisung still looked like he was ready to fall at any minute.

“My father used to bring me to skate every first snow of the season. I had about seven years of practice.” you skated slowly making sure Jiusng had a balance. “Do you think you can manage it on your own?” you asked looking into his dark squirrel like eyes. Jisung nodded his hand and you slowly let go of his arms.

Soon he zooms across the ice. One could say that you were in shocked at the act that he just played on you. When he returned back to your location you were clapping your hands applauding his acting skills. “Wow, you got me”. “I wanted to show off but now make you feel bad so instead I tried to impress you,” he said rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, I’m kidding shocked that you can skate but it was cute seeing you struggle,,, kinda”. “Are you saying that me failing is cute?” Jisung said skating closer to you. “Gotta blast,” you said skating away.

Jisung raced towards you grabbing you and back hugging you. You felt warm in his arms a feeling that you haven’t felt in a long time. A smile grew on your face as you took in the moment. “Are you hungry?” you said looking back at him “Cause I could really go for a burger right now”. “Yeah I’m pretty hungry actually,” he said grabbing your hand as the two of you head towards the rink exit.

“Hey what can I get for you,” the worker behind the counter asked the two of you? “Um can I get a grilled chicken sandwich with no cheese and fries without salt,” you said to the worker. “Okay an what about you sir?”. “A bacon cheeseburger and a coke please,” he said pulling out his wallet and heading two 10,000 wons. “Oh you don’t have to pay for me,” you said grabbing his hand. “No it’s fine” he replied looking at you “I want too”.

A small blush came upon your face as the two of you head towards a booth looking out the rink. “So how did you find out about this date blind?” you asked him sitting down. “Young-Hyun knew how lonely I been since my ex moved to American for her job. It was a pretty messy breakup and I focus mostly on work and my music so dating wasn’t really my top priority. What about you?”.

“About ten months ago I lost my boyfriend to a really bad car accident, we been together for over two years so it was really hard to lose him. I haven’t really been dating cause I didn’t want to forget him but people come and go out our lives. Tiff thought it would be good for me to start dating again and honestly being with you is making me feel like love is possible again”.

Your food finally arrived and you took a bit of your sandwich not knowing that you had some mayo on your face afterward. “Well I’m glad that you are having a great time with me Y/N,” Jisung said grabbing his napkin “cause I’m also having a great with you as well,” he said wiping away the mayo off of your face.

The conversation continued with laughs, blushed cheeks, and Jisung something being a complete clutz. “Do you want to go back on the ice?” Jisung asked pointing to the rink. “Yeah only if you promise to act like a clutz on the ice again.’ you got up from the table and headed towards the entrance. “I can’t promise anything Y/N,” he said following you.

For the rest of the night, the two of you skated and it felt like a dream. Snow was falling from the sky, the speakers were playing nonstop holiday music, and everyone was happy. Watching Jisung fall a couple times was for sure was one of the top highlights of the whole night. You never imagine something like this would happen to you again. Sadly the night had to come to an end and you and Jisung soon had to part ways.

“Hey Y/N is it possible if I can have your number so I can ask you out officially?” he said pulling out his phone You smiled as you grabbed his phone and entered your number into his phone and then proceeded to text yourself. “There you have my number and now I have your” you handed him back his phone. “I expect a date very soon” you wink at him then went your separate ways. Before you two were too far in distance you quickly turned back ran to him and gave a light peck on his cheek.

The subway ride home you were giggling at you phone texting Jisung. “Wow, your home” Tiffany said as you enter into your apartment. “I take it that the date went while?” she sipped her tea afterward. “Thank you” you run up to her and gave her the biggest hug in the world.

Before bed you recent one last text from Jisung.

[jisung: 23:03] Hey I had a great night with you today. I hope you got home safely. So about our next date? Wanna go to a cafe tomorrow morning say around 09:45?

[you 23:05] I would love to :) Goodnight, I’ll see you tomorrow.

[jisung 23:05] Goodnight, I hope you have sweet dreams.

[hey-hey-chan]

Just Friends - Hyunjin (SPINOFF)

YAY ! This is your real present Astrella @straycuties! Even I’m not that much of a jackass to not give you your real bias laskfadkj

bUT happy birthday!!!! Make it an eventful one because you’re turning the big ONE EIGHT!! :D I hope you have fun today and enjoy getting your tattoo lol

Also, I’m not going to be cheesy, but yeah you’re cool .... :/

PART TWO !!! Written by @stk0t9 who stuck with my through this collab!! Aahh we had so much writing it so give support to her as well! :D

This scenario is based off of my earlier series called Just Friends which featured a different OC & Changbin! You don’t have to read that series to understand this one, but it would help somewhat. 

Just Friends - Changbin Pt. 1 , Pt. 2, Pt. 3/finale

“HYUNJIN GET UP!!” I yelled from the top of the staircase.

I sighed when the boy didn’t even shake from his slumber, or his “depressive state” as he called it. “Hyunjin seriously? I want to go out and explore the world!” I pulled the blanket off of the boy, which confused me as to why he had them in the first place, it was 85 degrees outside.

“Leave me alone.” He said full of sniffles. I shook my long red hair out of my face and faced the boy.

“Seriously? You’re still upset about that girl who dumped you-“

“She didn’t dump me, well, I guess she rejected me but…” He let out a strong breath of air which made me smell his horrid breath. I groaned and turned up towards the back of the couch. “It was my fault I shouldn’t have fell for her since she has a boyfriend. But she’s so amazing and nice, unlike some girl I know.”

I knew he was just joking, somewhat, yet, I still felt a pang in my chest as he said those words. He always hit my insecurities even if he never realized it. He was always so caught up in his own problems that he never noticed mine nowadays. I wouldn’t be surprised if he forgot my birthday next week too.

“Hyunjin, it was her loss really. You are like the most popular guy in our high school, and she’s some nobody. Like I don’t even remember her name.”

“It’s-“

“NO! Her name is forbidden! You have to get over her and the first step is to a: never say her name again. B: I don’t know what else but you will!” I tried to wrestle him off the couch, but there was no budge from the boy.

“Easy for you to say! You’ve never loved someone, you don’t know what heart break feels like.” I couldn’t help the laugh that burst out from my body. He raised a brow at me, but said nothing, thankfully.

“Ok lover boy, I’m leaving, enjoy your time in mourning over your love.”

“No! Don’t leave, I don’t want to be alone.” He whined. I felt him grab onto my waist, making me flinch back at the contact.

“HEY! Hands to yourself buddy!” I crossed my arms and glared at him. Even though we were best friends, I never liked skinship. I never held his hand, laid on his lap or vice versa, or anything like those cliché movies. I wouldn’t let my own feelings come to light.

It would be so embarrassing to be rejected.

“Sorry, ok, ok I won’t touch you if you just stay here with me. Please?” He jutted out his bottom lip and gave me his best set of puppy eyes. I felt myself melting already, so I plopped down in the chair next to him.

“Fine, but this isn’t because of you, it’s because of me being too lazy to go.” He gave me one of his famous eye smiles and he knew he had me.

“Sure, Y/n, whatever you say.” I knew he was teasing me but I said nothing. We laid in silence for a few moments, letting the heat and sadness soak us.

It was the summer before we went off to college and I had pictured an amazing, fun, and inspiring summer with my best friend. Instead I got a heartbroken boy who was pining over a girl who was already taken. He had met her about a year and a half ago, and he had dated one girl during that time, but it never healed his broken heart.

Especially since he hung out with this girl all the time and he seemed to fall more in love with her each time he hung out with her. This dumbass let himself fall head over heels for her. Which left no room in his heart for me: his tomboyish best friend he’s known since we’ve been in diapers.

I shook my head at the thought. No, y/n, you’re the biggest dummy for falling in love with him. Falling in love with someone who already had his eyes on everyone but you.

It was true. Hyunjin fell in love easily but he was always too shy to do anything about it most of the time. He was a handsome guy no doubt, but his flirting skills? Those needed work. Thankfully his face was flirting enough. But he had been in love with this girl for so long, I started to think I had no chance. He would always drop everything for her and leave me in the dust. It felt like I was a 3rd wheel in my own friendship.

“I’m sorry I’m being so mopey, I’m just really sorry about… you know who.” I nodded, glad he used that name. “I don’t even know why I confessed to her a week ago, like ack, I hope I didn’t make things awkward. She has a boyfriend.” He groaned and buried his face into the pillow. I rolled my eyes at his childishness secretly.

“Well, honestly, it was a really dumb move on your part, but I guess it’s easier now that you let it out? Now you can go back to being friends, no secrets from each other.” I said those words with a heavy heart, knowing I was hiding the biggest secret from him. He sighed and shook his messy bedhead.

“I guess so…” He trailed off, leaving me not to know what to say.

Honestly, he had these awkward pauses often. Like he was always thinking about the other girl more than he was thinking about his time with me. I know our relationship hasn’t been the same, at least on my part, for the past months, but he never noticed anything about it. He was a dense boy.

“Anyways, I can’t stay for long, I have to sell shirts at the fair later tonight.” At my statement, his ears perked up.

“Wait, that’s tonight?” I felt my heart break slightly, knowing he forget what the most important event in my life right now.

“Yes, that is tonight, and you better go doofus or else I’ll never forgive you.” He snorted and rolled to the other side of the gray couch.

“Impossible, you’ll always forgive me.” I shook my head, knowing that was true. He was impossible to shake.

“Are you trying to say you’re going to flake on me??” I accused and ran over to tickle him. I heard his laughter and he tried to push me away.

“No, no no! I’m going even if I have to rise from the dead to do so!” He called out, making me stop my tickle attack. I sat back down and took a deep breath.

“Good, I couldn’t last that much longer with the tickle attack in this heat.” I wiped the beads of sweat from my forehead and stood up.

“Ok, so I have to go right now, don’t eat all of your ice cream or else your brother will be pissed at you. Ok bye! See you tonight! You better be there!” I shouted at him, pulling on my brightly colored shoes.

I heard him yell “bye” back as I shut the door.

I could already tell today was going to be a long day.

-

“Y/n! You’re here great! Time to set up the fair!” One of my coworkers had said to me. This fair was the biggest one in town and they always needed all hands on deck.

“Yup, I mean, I wasn’t going to miss this for the world.” I answered honestly. The lady shook my hand and laughed.  

“I’m excited about your enthusiasm. But now that you’re here, could you please help with setting up the lights around the fair.” I nodded while tying up my hair. “Luna is over there, she’ll tell you what to do.” I waved to the older girl and walked away, trying to let loose of the nerves that were occupying my body. It was my first time doing something this big like hosting my own booth at a carnival. I felt numb to the anxiety that was rising in my stomach, but I tried to push the event off my mind.

Don’t worry, Hyunjin will be there, I’ll be fine.

“Ah, y/n, you’re here! Could you help me set up the lights on this booth?” I nodded and took the lights out of her hands. I stood on a ladder to set up the lights, making sure they were secure enough and would shine on the front side. I saw Luna walk away as she had other things to tend to of course.

Just as I had finish the lights, I felt the ladder wobble under me, making my anxiety sky rocket.

“Um, can anyo-“ Before I could finish my words, I felt the ladder start to fall under me.

“Y/n! GET OFF!” I heard a faint voice yell, but I could barely hear anything. I snapped out of the trance I was in and jumped off of the ladder and reflexively ran to the side as the ladder came down.

The lights came down as well, getting tangled in the ladder. I watched all of my hard work tumble to the ground and my heart split in 2. I heard a deep sigh from Luna who happened to be behind me.

“I’ll take the lights this time.”

---

Throughout the whole day, terrible things kept happening.

I didn’t tumble off any other ladders, but I did accidently spray another booth with a hose, which brought upon a few enemies. Though, it wasn’t my fault the hose malfunctioned and I couldn’t hold it still. I also accidently spilled lemonade all over my clothes, making me have to use one of the shirts I was selling, which would be 20 dollars wasted. And on top of that, my booth still wasn’t decorated because of the mess I made and I was unsure if I would be able to decorate it in time.

“Y/n!” I set down the glass of lemonade I had and peered into the distance as to where I saw a boy running at me. He held up his bag and I saw my favorite food: chocolate cheesecake. I gasped and almost attacked the boy when I saw him.

“I-is this what I think it is?” He nodded and gave me one of his famous eyesmiles. I swear I would be over this boy if he didn’t know how to smile.

He was wearing a white T-shirt and khaki shorts with a gray baseball cap. I couldn’t help but notice our outfits were similar, but I guess that’s how best friends are.

“I don’t know, open it and find out.” I tore open the box and found a delicious slice of chocolate cheesecake staring at me. I turn to the boy and glared at him, crossing my arms, but I couldn’t help my smile.

“What is this for? Did you poison it? Why are you being so nice today?” I gave him a playful shove, but I felt him fall back from my strength.

“Oof, woman, can’t a guy just do something nice for his best friend? Is that too hard to comprehend?” He playfully knocked on my head twice, but I shivered at the close contact. I scooted back from him and dug into my cake.

“Whatever, I’m still suspicious of you.” I mumbled. I heard him whistle softly and adjust his shades.

“Ok so maybe, I needed chocolate cake to get over my heartbreak and saw you on the way-“ I punched him on the shoulder and shook my head. I knew there was another motive to this. He hasn’t gotten me cheesecake ever since he’d been…preoccupied with someone else.

“Hey! Don’t blame me, you-know-who and you could’ve been close friends, you both are spunky. Of course she would never hit me-“ I slapped him again to make him shut up, but I felt my cheeks burn already. It was terrible constantly being compared to some other girl he liked.

“I’m sorry, I hate all the girls who break my best friend’s heart. It’s the bro code.” I said matter of factly. I wiggled a fork full of cake at his face while he glared at me. “And if you think you’re getting any cake, you’re very wrong.” He chuckled and shook his head.

“I’m not dumb, I got a slice of my own before. And first, you’re not a bro. And second, she’s cooler than you.” He flinched away, but I was too hurt to hit him. I knew he was joking, but the feeling of constantly being compared never felt too great.

“Whatever, leave if you’re just going to insult me.” I pushed away the demolished cake and threw it away. “Now, I need to get back to work.” I turned to walk away from him, but I felt his hand grab my shoulder.

“Hey, don’t be mad at me. She might be the girl I love, but you’re still my best friend.” I clenched my jaw, holding back the tears that were threatening to fall. I hated how those had to be 2 separate people.

“Yeah and you’ll always be mine too.” He patted my back and walked away.

“See you at 7 then!”

-

Soon enough, the carnival began and all my negativity was drained away. Little kids were shooting out bubbles and their parents were purchasing things from all sorts of things.

My booth wasn’t extremely busy, but it wasn’t empty either. I got a few sales here and there which made me ecstatic.

“Wow, is it the one and only y/n?” I heard a familiar voice ask. I looked up from my shirts and found myself staring at the cockiest boy in school. I rolled my eyes and sat back in my chair.

“Wow nice to see you too, Han Jisung.” I mumbled, obviously not excited to see the boy. He scoffed and leaned over my table.

“Hm, where’s your pole for a friend, what’s his name again..?” I scoffed and knew the boy was just trying to mess with me.

“His name is Hyunjin, you know that. You’re friends with him, you dumbass.” Jisung laughed loudly, making a few heads turn towards us.

“Ok you got me there. Anyways, are you free after-“ I stopped him before he could say anything else.

“Jisung, I am not going to go out with you. Go find another girl to play with.” I spat. He raised a brow and pulled down his cap. I thought he was going to be upset, but instead he gave me a small smile.

“Still not over the guy, huh?”

My heart stopped at his words. I clenched my fists in anger but held it in.

“Just go, Jisung.”

Jisung held him his arms in defeat and walked back slowly.

“Ok, ok, but if you get sick of him, you know where to find me.”

I groaned and wanted to face plant into all of my shirts, but I couldn’t get them dirty.

Soon, 7 turned into 8, then 8 turned into 9.

“Where is Hyunjin? My booth closes at 9:30.” I muttered sadly.

I felt tears build up in my eyes when I realized the boy just wasn’t coming. He had barely gone out of the house to see any of my events, but I had hoped he would at least come to this one.

The most important one.

I folded the rest of my t-shirts and threw them in the boxes angrily.

“Hey, y/n, good work today. You can go home early, we’ll tear down your booth for you.” I nodded and thanked her.

“Thanks,” I muttered before escaping. I jumped in my car and felt the tears fall quickly.

“I’m so fucking stupid.” I hit my wheels and felt my body jerk in reaction to the pain. I tried to wipe my tears, but it was useless, they kept falling.

I looked at my phone for the first time that night.

“Wow, not even one text message.” I laughed sadly before throwing my phone to the back of my car. “Whatever, I don’t need him anyways. He’s been a shit friend for too long. I’m so done.” I felt myself break on the last sentence which through my emotions into a frenzy.

I’d been best friends with Hyunjin before I could speak, could I operate without him?

Well, I guess I’m going to have to now.

I washed my face with a wet wipe before starting my car quickly. It was a waste of my time to cry over boys who obviously didn’t care for me.

I drove home at lightning speed, not caring about the speed limit. And just at that second, I heard sirens come in from behind me.

“FUCK!” I shouted out. I pulled over angrily, but tried to hide my tears from the officer. “My parents are going to kill me.” I muttered aloud. This whole night was a train wreck.

“Hi, can I see your license please?” I pulled out my lincense and gave it to him. He inspected it and looked at me as well.

“So y/n, do you know how fast you were driving tonight?” I held back my sharp wit and shook my head.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t even realize I was going so fast.” I apologized, hoping he would let me off the hook.

“Hm, I know you’re sorry but I’m still going to write you a ticket. You could’ve hurt someone or yourself. I know a carnival was tonight and kids are running everywhere.” He wrote me a ticket and handed it to me, making me feel numb inside.

“Drive home safely ok?” I barely heard what he said but I nodded numbly. I couldn’t even look at the cost, so I set down the ticket and started my car again.

I drove off at a normal speed this time, although my insides felt like they were shaking.  

“Do not get a panic attack while driving, that’s a dumb move to make.” I didn’t know who I was talking to, but I felt like I had to speak all my thoughts to not feel so alone.

I finally made it home in one piece, but once I got home, I wished I never would.

I looked to the house next to mine and saw Hyunjin standing at the front of his house, talking to a girl with short black hair. She was beautiful and her laughed filled up the entire neighborhood.

So this is the girl.

“Hey, y/n!” He called out, pointing at the girl. She turned and smiled at me.

I knew I should’ve waved back politely or smiled back or walked over to them.

Instead, I shrugged and walked through my front door.

I was done with him.

[suzyturnerbooks]

It’s the last Monday of the month, which can only mean one thing. It’s time for the Fab40s! YAY! This month we’re all making a statement wearing statement tees. And even though my statement tee has a bit of a grammatical error, I wasn’t too worried about it on this occasion.

Because my tee suggested we all shine, I decided to add a bit of sparkle to my outfit with gold accessories, as well as the extra gold glitter on my skirt.

I’ve always been a fan of black and gold – I think it’s such a sophisticated colour palette. Like in this post, for example. However, I wouldn’t normally inject the colour grey into the mix. But when I chose this top to wear out of all my statement tees, I was surprised at how well it all went together.

I don’t actually have a lot of statement tees, so I went out and bought this one specially for this month’s theme! It was in the kids section in Primark! My other statement tees weren’t really appropriate to share with the other gals of the Fab40s. See last week’s post here for an example!

Here’s the full outfit…

These photos were actually taken last week on our 20th wedding anniversary! I had fully intended to wear a lovely new dress that I’d bought especially, but then the weather turned weird (it rained all afternoon!) and I wasn’t warm enough. By the time we’d arrived in Lagos for dinner, it had warmed up a bit and the sun came out (just in time for photos lol!)

Speaking of our wedding anniversary, we had such a gorgeous meal at Restaurante dos Artistas. When booking the table, we casually mentioned it was our special day. And on arrival to our table there, we were delighted to find that they’d very kindly put love hearts all over the place, including a red heart balloon! We then proceeded to have THE most delicious meal ever. Everything was exquisitely prepared and the taste of each and every item was nothing less than divine. If you’re ever visiting Lagos, in the Algarve, I highly recommend you book a table. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Oh… and I must also recommend their Cherry Bellinis. Mmmmmm.

Now I know what you’re thinking… that I gave up alcohol last October? You’d be right, I did. And I’ve been very good since then. But I recently decided that I shouldn’t completely give up what I enjoy. So I might have a glass of something once every few weeks or so. Hence the Cherry Bellini!

But back to the outfit. Like I mentioned, the statement tee came from the kids section at Primark. I bought the skirt from Primark too – a few years ago. I have worn it on the blog before. Once, when I decided I would wear whatever the heck I wanted to wear regardless of what people think of me! The shoes are a few years old too, and I bought them from Aldo. Unfortunately though, we ended up parking quite a distance from the restaurant and my feet were absolutely killing me at the end of the night! These gorgeous black and gold earrings were a gift from my mother-in-law. And you see the pretty gold bracelet? I actually won it in a Twitter competition (proof that it does pay to enter competitions!)! The gold clutch is a favourite of mine. It’s appeared on the blog loads of times, and it’s from one of my favourite shops: Massimo Dutti.

The Fab40s Gals

That’s enough about me and my outfit, let’s see how the other Fab40s gals have styled their statement tees…

Our guest blogger this month – Maria from Passion fruit, Paws and Peonies

Maria took a chilled out, relaxed approach to the statement tees challenge. I just love this photo of her. Statement Tee: Asos Jeans: Sezane Belt: Brora Earrings: Anthropologie Shoes: Miss Albright

Sheela of Sheela Goh

Sheela always look super chic and this month’s offering is certainly that. Head on over to her blog to see the full outfit – she’s wearing the coolest suit ever! Tee Shirt – c/o Smile Makers Singapore Floral Embroidered Checked Suit – c/o Forever21 Khaki Calf Cuff – c/o Unearthed on Etsy Sunnies – Chanel Rings – Alchemy of England

Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots

This month Jennie has gone all out rock chick with THE most incredible heels! Doesn’t she look super edgy? I must say, this is probably my favourite look of hers! Also, I’m so jealous she can wear heels like that 😉 Blazer – NY&Co. Tee – Apt. 9 Jeans – c/o Angels Jeans Shoes – Madden Girl Earrings – HammeredLoveLetters Tote – Amazon

Annie of Kremb de la Kremb

We knew Annie would rock the statement tee look because they are a wardrobe staple for her! She’s literally got loads of them, and she never fails to look super cool in them either! Heart sunnies and see through fanny pack – Lady’s Market, Hong Kong Pom pom earrings – Jardine’s Bazaar, Hong Kong I ❤  HK Tee – Stanley Market, Hong Kong Gloria Vanderbelt thrifted jeans turned into cut offs – Value Village, Spokane Red Nikes – ASOS

Mary of Curly Byrdie Chirps

Like me, Mary chose to style her fabulous ‘honey’ tee with a skirt, and she looks amazing with all those gorgeous stripey frills!

Shirt and Skirt Forever 21

Shoes – Thrifted 

Bag and Earring -Target 

Sunnies -Gordmans 

SaveSave

SaveSave

Fab40s: this month it’s all about statement tees It's the last Monday of the month, which can only mean one thing. It's time for the Fab40s!